Understanding the Uncommon Xoloitzcuintli Breed

The Xoloitzcuintli breed is indeed one of the rarest in the world. This ancient dog breed originated in Mexico and is also known as the Mexican Hairless Dog.

One of the most distinctive features of the Xoloitzcuintli is its unique appearance, which can vary greatly depending on its size and coat type. They come in three sizes: toy, miniature, and standard.

Despite its rarity, the Xoloitzcuintli has a rich history, with evidence of its existence dating back over 3,000 years. It was a sacred animal in ancient Mesoamerica, often buried with its owners to protect them on their journey to the afterlife.

The Xoloitzcuintli's unusual appearance is due in part to its genetic makeup, which is different from that of other breeds. Its genetic uniqueness is a key factor in its rarity.

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The Xoloitzcuintli is a relatively rare breed, largely due to their rarity in ancient Mexico where they originated.

Their increasing popularity has contributed to a higher price tag than some other breeds.

Their unique characteristics, such as being hairless or coated, and coming in three sizes (toy, miniature, standard), make them stand out from other breeds.

This uniqueness, combined with their rarity, has led to a higher demand and subsequently higher prices for Xoloitzcuintli puppies.

Owning a Mexican Hairless Dog, also known as an Xoloitzcuintli, can be a unique and rewarding experience. They are a rare breed, with only around 3,000 registered in the US each year.

They come in three sizes: Toy, Miniature, and Standard, with varying levels of hairlessness. The hairless varieties can have a wrinkled skin that requires regular care to prevent skin problems.

Their short coats require minimal grooming, but their skin needs to be cleaned and moisturized daily to prevent oil buildup and skin infections. This is especially important for the hairless varieties.

Their alert and outgoing personalities make them great companions for active families or individuals. They are naturally protective of their families and can be wary of strangers.

Their lifespan is typically between 12-18 years, with some living into their early 20s. With proper care and attention, they can thrive as beloved pets.

The Xoloitzcuintli has a rich history that spans over 3,000 years, with clay statues of these dogs found in Mayan, Colima, and Aztec burial sites.

These ancient dogs were believed to guide souls through the underworld and were associated with the Aztec god of lightning and death, Xolotl, who was said to have created them from the "bone of life". The name Xoloitzcuintli combines Xolotl with "itzcuintli", which means "dog" in Aztec.

The Xoloitzcuintli was first described by Columbus in his 1492 journal and was later registered by the AKC as the Mexican Hairless in 1887, but their numbers remained low and they were dropped from the roster in 1959.

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The Mexican Hairless Dog, also known as the Xoloitzcuintli, comes in a range of sizes, from toy to standard.

They can grow to be quite tall, averaging between 10 to 23 inches in height.

Their coats can be either hairless or coated, and they often have a dark color, such as black, gray, or bronze.

Their faces are often described as "thoughtful", which gives them a unique and elegant appearance.

The Xoloitzcuintli has a rich history dating back 3,000 years, with clay statues of these dogs found in Mayan, Colima, and Aztec burial sites.

These ancient statues suggest that the Xoloitzcuintli was believed to guide souls through the underworld, holding significant spiritual power in Aztec mythology.

The Aztecs believed that Xolotl, the god of lightning and death, created the Xoloitzcuintli from the "bone of life", giving them physical and spiritual healing power.

The name "Xoloitzcuintli" combines Xolotl with "itzcuintli", which means "dog" in Aztec.

The hairless dogs were first described by Columbus in his 1492 journal, showing how far back their history extends.

After the Spanish Conquest, the Xoloitzcuintli was almost lost, surviving mostly in remote areas of Mexico and Central and South America.

In 1887, the AKC registered the breed as the Mexican Hairless, but their numbers remained low and they were eventually dropped from the roster in 1959.

Discover more: History of Xoloitzcuintli

However, in 1953, a group of British and Mexican dog authorities searched remote Mexico and returned with ten Xoloitzcuintli, helping to revive the breed.

The Xoloitzcuintli was named the official dog of Mexico in 1956, marking a significant turning point in their history.

In 2007, the breed was again recognized by the AKC, and today you can find Xoloitzcuintli in three different sizes: Standard, Miniature, and Toy.